Thread by @WrongsToWrite

What separates the top 1% of writers from average writers?

Psychology.

Here's 9 ways to use it to become a persuasive writer:

-Thread-

It’s estimated that 95% of brain activity is unconscious.

By understanding the psychology of your readers, you’ll:

• Make more sales
• Get more followers
• Engage more people

So, ready to 10x your writing?

Let’s dive in.

1. Personalization

Your readers want conversations, not lectures.

So how should you talk to your readers?

By using words “You” and “Your” a lot.

Like I’m doing now ;)

But there’s another way…

Call out their interests or occupation:

Example:

“Are you a Bitcoin holder?” 

“Calling all writers of New York.”

Targeting groups allows you to cut through the noise of other writing.

Readers think “They made this for me!”

And once you have their attention…

Create relatability.

How? 

Study your audience.

Use:

• Forums
• Conversations
• Facebook groups

Then note their:

• Fears
• Words
• Desires

The best way to use this information?

2. Storytelling

Textbooks are easy to forget.

But we all remember our favourite stories.

That’s because the regions of the brain that process:

• Taste
• Sights
• Sounds

Activate when we’re engaged in an interesting narrative.

And what do the best stories have?

A common enemy

Sports, politics, and gangs have loyal followers because it creates an ‘Us vs. Them’ feeling.

They feel like they belong to a group.

So rally your audience against a common cause aligned with their identity.

An example:

Bitcoin.

It was so successful because it united millions against big banks and governments.

It wasn’t just a currency; it was a movement.

But enemies don’t have to be groups or people…

Sugar can be the enemy.

Stress can be the enemy.

Technology can be the enemy.

Present yourself as the one opposing the enemy.

But what does every cause need?

3. A reason

We’re more likely to believe something when there’s a justification.

So don’t say “ABC is bad…”

Say “ABC is bad because XYZ.”

And this is where the next tip comes in handy...

4. Specificity

Which sounds more believable?

“It hurt him.”

or

“The crippling pain shot up his back, piercing his skin like a thousand hot needles.”

Be specific with emotions and speak to your audience’s pains.

But don’t limit specificity to words…

Use specific numbers.

“I made $5,000” sounds generic.

“I made $4,723 in 22 days” sounds intriguing.

And speaking of numbers…

5. Anchoring

How do you make a $5,000 look small?

Compare it to $400,000.

We heavily base decisions on the first piece of information shown.

So present larger numbers before showing your price.

6. Priming

Priming is when you unconsciously influence someone’s decision.

You can do this by building “Yes” momentum.

Wtf is that?

Here’s an example:

Are you getting value from this thread?

You: “Yes”

Do you want more content like this in the future?

You: “Yes”

Great. Subscribe to my newsletter and get free writing and marketing tips every week. Click here: t2m.io/Newsletter

See what I did?

It’s a minor example, but simply put:

I get you into the habit of agreeing.

So when I make a bigger ask, you’re more likely to say “Yes.”

Pair this with the next tip to make it even more effective…

7. Reciprocity

We feel the need to give back the value we get.

You can give value as:

• Free e-books
• High value tweets
• Any kind of lead magnet

Give enough and your audience will happily return the favour.

8. Authority Bias

This is our tendency to be influenced more by the opinion of someone with authority.

• Experts
• Celebrities
• Influencers

Show your knowledge by giving tips related to your profession.

Use the final tip to 10x this effect...

9. Social proof

People are more likely to do or think something when they see others doing the same.

Use testimonials, reviews, and statistics in your writing.

(Bonus points if they're a well known figure in your community).

So, let's recap...

How to use psychology in your writing:

1. Personalization
2. Stories
3. Reason
4. Specificity
5. Anchoring
6. Priming
7. Reciprocity
8. Authority
9. Social Proof

This thread took me a few hours to write.

If you got value from it, retweeting the first tweet would be greatly appreciated.

And if you want more content like this, follow me @WrongsToWrite.

Thanks and have a great day🥂

https://twitter.com/WrongsToWrite/status/1489962536137113600